Page 12 of You've Found Oliver

For some reason, this makes me think of the lake. The one Sam and I used to escape to all the time. I still find him there in some of my dreams. I remember the picture Sam drew of me, lying out in the grass, surrounded by flowers. For our activity, I try to recreate it with him instead.

The moment class ends, I race out the door, heading straight to the bus station. Ben sends a text to confirm the location. His parents are letting him borrow their car. I send him an ETA as soon as I step on the bus.

Text me when you’re close

I’ll see you soon

It’s an hour-and-a-half journey to North Bend. I take in the views of evergreen trees along the road. I’m a little nervous about meeting him. I steamed my favorite white T-shirt and threw on a jacket. I thought about going with a navy button-up, but I didn’t want to be overdressed.

I’m listening to the Velvet Underground album on the way there.

Ben seems like a really big fan of them.

It’s funny that he has that in common with Sam.

He still sends me videos of some of their performances every now and then.

I should probably be more familiar with their music, but I can only get through a few songs before switching to my pop playlist.

Eventually, the pale gray buildings of North Bend come into view.

Somehow, this town seems even smaller than Ellensburg.

The bus drops me off at the corner of 2nd Street, right next to the movie theater.

The diner should be a short walk from here.

The place feels like its stuck in the past, framed by a single mountainside that’s swathed in mist. I check the time.

Then I cross the street and find the glowing sign of Twede’s Cafe.

There’s something familiar about this place.

Maybe it’s just the vibe that all diners share.

Ben should already be waiting inside. It’s a shorter trip for him, especially since he drove here.

I pause at the entrance and take a breath to calm my nerves.

Then I grab the door handle. For some reason, it’s locked.

I try it again, but it doesn’t open. This must not be the right entrance.

I walk around the building, but there doesn’t seem to be another way to get inside.

I glance through the window. The sunlight reflecting off the glass makes it hard to see.

It doesn’t look like anyone’s in there. There’s a paint bucket on the floor by the cash register.

Are they closed for renovation or something?

Maybe I went to the wrong location. I check the address again. Then I send Ben a message.

Just got off the bus

Not sure if I’m at the right place

Where’d you go?

Twede’s cafe. But I think it’s closed

That’s the right place. I’m sitting at a table inside

I check the door again . Still locked.

This is embarrassing

But I can’t get inside

What do you mean?

I think the door is broken

Oh

Let me come get you

A few minutes go by. Nobody opens the door. I send Ben another text.

wya?

Outside

Where did you go?

I’m right in front of the door

I don’t see you

That’s weird

Are you sure you’re at the right place?

There must be another entrance somewhere. I walk to the other side of the diner, but I still don’t see him anywhere. This has to be the wrong location.

Can you send the address again?

Maybe I put it in wrong

Ben sends it, but it’s the same one. There must be some mistake.

I’m so confused right now

What cross street are you at?

North Bend Way and Bendigo

I look out at the street signs. North Bend Way and Bendigo . This is the right place. So why can’t we find each other?

That’s where I am too

But I still don’t see you anywhere

Should I try the door one more time? I take another glance around me. There’s not a single car in the parking lot. And I haven’t seen anyone walk in or out yet. As I’m standing there, waiting for him to respond, a thought occurs to me…

Maybe Ben isn’t here at all. Is that why I can’t seem to find him? This is all some practical joke that’s being played on me. My heart sinks as I think back to these past few weeks. Does that mean everything he said is a lie?

I can’t believe I came all the way here. Just to walk in circles, searching for someone who’s never coming. Now I have to wait for the next bus home. I send him one last message.

Very funny joke

I’m leaving now

Hope you had a nice laugh

Should have known better than to get my hopes up. As I’m walking off, he messages me back.

Wait what do you mean?

I’m trying to find you

I don’t respond. He texts me again.

Please don’t leave yet

I really want to see you

Not sure why I can’t see you

I stare at his message. I really want this to be true. I mean, I’ve been looking forward to seeing him, too. My fingers hover over the screen, thinking about what to text back. Then I decide to call him instead.

As the phone starts ringing, the sound of static breaks through, followed by a strange shift in the air. At first, I think the call was lost.

Then I hear a voice behind me.

“Oliver?”

I turn around slowly.

Someone is standing a few feet away, wearing a dark brown jacket and jeans. His black hair is bathed in golden light. I’ve only seen him in a few photos online. But I know it’s Ben, staring right back at me.